What's the Difference Between Systemic and Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunctions?

There are many different forms of erectile dysfunctions, which are often categorized in two separate groups: systemic erectile dysfunction and psychogenic erectile dysfunction. While the two categories of erectile dysfunction cause the same symptoms, the underlying cause of the erectile dysfunction is due to separate issues. Psychogenic erectile dysfunction is often treatable and is only a temporary condition, while systemic erectile dysfunctions are often permanent and require different forms of treatment.

Systemic Erectile Dysfunctions

Systemic erectile dysfunctions are considered to be erectile conditions caused by physical complications. These physical complications can be a result of a medical complication, medications, and physical complications. These forms of erectile dysfunctions often require prescribed medications in order to treat properly. Often, systemic erectile dysfunctions are permanent and require prolonged treatment courses.

Psychogenic Erectile Dysfunctions

Psychogenic erectile dysfunctions are caused from factors unrelated to physical complications, but instead, psychological complications. Psychogenic erectile dysfunctions occur when the body experiences psychological or emotional complications, such as stress, trauma, and depression. Psychogenic erectile dysfunctions typically occur gradually, but resolve after the underlying stress or emotional factor has been overcome. Treatment for psychogenic erectile dysfunctions generally includes therapy and often the use of temporary prescribed medications.

To treat psychogenic erectile dysfunctions, psychotherapy is often used; whereas, this is a less common treatment for those with systemic erectile dysfunctions. During psychotherapy the underlying cause of the erectile dysfunction is treated with counseling, such as dealing with a death or sexual conflict. After the underlying psychological condition is properly resolved, the erectile dysfunction normally dissipates without the need of further treatment.

Sex therapy is often used as a form of treatment for both systemic and psychogenic forms of erectile dysfunctions. The use of sex therapy teaches clients new methods to use in order to stay sexually active and with overcoming the symptoms of erectile dysfunction. This form of treatment was developed in the 1970's and has shown to be effective in treating all forms of erectile dysfunction.

In some cases, prescribed medications are used to treat both systemic and psychogenic forms of erectile dysfunction. However, the use of these prescribed medications if often only temporary when treating psychogenic erectile dysfunctions: whereas, they may be permanent treatment methods for those with systemic erectile dysfunctions. When systemic erectile dysfunctions are actually the result of the use of another medication, a lower dose of the original medication may resolve that issue of systemic erectile dysfunction.

References:

"Stop Erectile Dysfunction" EndErectileDysfunction
"Erectile Dysfunctions Psychological" WebMD
"Erectile Dysfunction" NetDoctor